As human beings, most of the things we do in life require faith; we walk by faith and not by sight (cf. 2Cor. 5:7).  When we pray, we have faith that God will answer us. According to the first reading of today, the Israelites became terrified and lost faith in their ability to possess the promise land, after spying and seeing the nature of its inhabitants. They allowed the deceptive look of reality to overshadow their faith, hence, God punished them for their unbelief. This is directly contrary to the faith of the Canaanite woman in the Gospel, who, despite the initial repugnant turndown by Jesus, refused to lose faith in God. Without faith, Scripture says, it is impossible to please God and to obtain any favour from him (cf. Luke 11:6). So, never allow the situations of life to discourage you, no matter what comes your way; endeavour to keep steadfast faith alive.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to believe in your promises for me even when the tempest ranges the most. Amen